Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Mozzarella sticks, also known as cheese sticks, are a popular snack or appetizer. These crispy, gooey, deep-fried delights are often served with marinara sauce for dipping. Though it’s unclear exactly when mozzarella sticks were first invented, they are believed to have originated in the United States in the late 20th century, evolving from the Italian tradition of breaded cheese. The dish was likely inspired by the Italian mozzarella in carrozza, which features mozzarella cheese fried in a sandwich. American chefs took the idea and created the breaded, stick-shaped version we know today.

Mozzarella sticks are often found in fast food restaurants, family-owned pizzerias, and at bars. They’ve become a beloved comfort food and a go-to option for anyone craving a satisfying fried snack.

Instructions: How to Make Mozzarella Sticks

Step 1: Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks

1. Cut the Mozzarella: Start by cutting your block of mozzarella cheese into 3 to 4-inch sticks. Try to keep the sticks uniform in size so they cook evenly.

2. Freezing the Cheese: Lay the mozzarella sticks on a baking tray, making sure they’re not touching each other. Freeze them for at least 1 to 2 hours. Freezing the cheese is crucial to prevent it from melting too quickly during frying. It also helps the coating stick to the cheese.

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Step 2: Prepare the Dredging Station

1. Flour Coating: In a shallow bowl, place your flour. Add a pinch of salt and pepper for seasoning. This is your first layer of coating.

2. Egg Wash: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. This mixture will help bind the breadcrumbs to the mozzarella sticks.

3. Breadcrumb Coating: In a third shallow bowl, combine your breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This will form the final crispy coating.

Step 3: Dredge the Mozzarella Sticks

1. Coat with Flour: Take a mozzarella stick and roll it in the flour mixture, making sure it is evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.

2. Dip in Egg Wash: Next, dip the floured mozzarella stick into the egg wash, ensuring it is fully coated.

3. Coat in Breadcrumbs: Finally, roll the mozzarella stick in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure that the breadcrumbs adhere well. For an extra-crispy coating, you can repeat the process (flour, egg wash, breadcrumbs) to make a double coating.

4. Freeze Again: Place the breaded sticks back on the baking tray and freeze them for at least another 30 minutes. This will help the coating stay intact during frying and prevent the cheese from leaking out.

Step 4: Fry the Mozzarella Sticks

1. Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or large frying pan to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature. If the oil is too hot, the coating will burn before the cheese melts. If it’s too cool, the cheese may leak out.

2. Fry the Sticks: Once the oil is ready, gently place a few mozzarella sticks into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.

3. Frying Time: Fry the sticks for 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. The cheese inside should be melted and gooey. You may need to turn the sticks halfway through frying to ensure even cooking.

4. Drain and Serve: Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the mozzarella sticks from the oil. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Serve

Serve your homemade mozzarella sticks immediately, while they are hot and gooey. They are best paired with marinara sauce for dipping. You can also serve them with ranch dressing, garlic butter, or even a spicy dipping sauce.

Tips for Perfect Mozzarella Sticks

1. Don’t Skip the Freezing Step: Freezing the mozzarella sticks before frying is essential to prevent the cheese from melting out too quickly. It ensures that the coating stays intact, and the cheese melts just right.

2. Use High-Quality Mozzarella: For the best texture and flavor, use high-quality mozzarella cheese. Fresh mozzarella can be used, but it may be more difficult to work with due to its higher moisture content.

3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature and leads to soggy sticks.

4. Monitor Oil Temperature: The key to crispy mozzarella sticks is maintaining the right oil temperature. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn, and the cheese will stay cold inside. If the oil is too cool, the cheese will leak out before the coating has a chance to crisp.

5. Double Coating: If you prefer an extra-crispy exterior, try double-coating your mozzarella sticks (flour, egg, breadcrumbs, egg, breadcrumbs). This adds an extra layer of crunch and helps prevent cheese leakage.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Cheese Leaking Out: If the cheese leaks out while frying, it may be due to the oil being too hot or the mozzarella sticks not being frozen long enough. Make sure you freeze the sticks thoroughly before frying, and monitor the oil temperature carefully.

2. Soggy Coating: If your mozzarella sticks come out soggy, it could be because the oil wasn’t hot enough or they were overcrowded in the pan. Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature (375°F) and don’t crowd the pan.

3. Overcooked or Burnt Coating: If the coating is burning before the cheese has melted, your oil might be too hot. Try lowering the temperature slightly to around 350°F and cook for a slightly longer period.

Variations and Creative Twists

1. Spicy Mozzarella Sticks: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.

2. Stuffed Mozzarella Sticks: Try stuffing your mozzarella sticks with a bit of pepperoni, ham, or even a slice of jalapeño for extra flavor inside.

3. Baked Mozzarella Sticks: If you want a healthier option, you can bake your mozzarella sticks instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), arrange the sticks on a baking sheet, and spray them lightly with cooking spray. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

4. Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar, provolone, or a combination of mozzarella and cheddar for a different flavor profile.

5. Gluten-Free Mozzarella Sticks: Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs, and use rice flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of mozzarella sticks.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Mozzarella Sticks

Whether you’re preparing mozzarella sticks as an appetizer for a party or indulging in a late-night snack, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Homemade mozzarella sticks bring the comfort food experience to a whole new level, allowing you to enjoy fresh, gooey cheese in a crispy, golden coating.

By following these detailed steps and tips, you’ll be able to make mozzarella sticks that are crispy on the outside, melty on the inside, and irresistible to everyone who tries them.

Yield: 12 Sticks

Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

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Mozzarella sticks, also known as cheese sticks, are a popular snack or appetizer. These crispy, gooey, deep-fried delights are often served with marinara sauce for dipping. Though it's unclear exactly when mozzarella sticks were first invented, they are believed to have originated in the United States in the late 20th century, evolving from the Italian tradition of breaded cheese. The dish was likely inspired by the Italian mozzarella in carrozza, which features mozzarella cheese fried in a sandwich. American chefs took the idea and created the breaded, stick-shaped version we know today.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 6 minutes

Ingredients

• 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

1. Freeze the Mozzarella: Place the mozzarella sticks in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This step helps prevent them from melting too quickly while frying.
   
2. Prepare the Breading Station:
   In one shallow bowl, add the flour.
   In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs with water.
   In the third shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
   
3. Coat the Cheese:
   Take a frozen mozzarella stick and dip it into the flour, coating it evenly.
   Next, dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it's completely covered.
   Finally, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to coat thoroughly. For extra crispiness, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating.
   
4. Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or pan, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of bread into it—if it sizzles, the oil is ready.
   
5. Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:
   Fry the breaded mozzarella sticks in batches for 1–2 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
   Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
   
6. Serve: Serve immediately with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

• Freezing: Make sure the mozzarella sticks are well frozen before frying to avoid them melting too quickly.
• Baking Option: For a healthier version, you can bake the sticks at 400°F (200°C) for about 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Variations: You can add grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for added flavor or even add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.